Automatic dispensing, weighing, and recording apparatus



Dec. 29, 1953 w. E. SAXE 2,664,260

AUTOMATIC DISPENSING, WEIGHING, AND RECQRDING APPARATUS Filed April 21,1951 3 Sheets-Sheet l /N 1/1: N TO 1?.

WALTER 5.5mm: V \X v H15 ATTORNEYS.

. HAP/24s, K/EChj, P05 715/? & HARR/s 52 5/ @7Tef 2,664,260 AND Dec. 29,1953- w. E. SAXE I AUTOMATIC DISPENSING, WEIGHING RECORDING APPARATUSFiled April 21 1951 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 hN @E w W J NWW W BY HIS ATTORNEYS.K/ECH, FOSTER 3 HHRR/S 6} HA mm;

Dec. 29, 1953 w. E. SAXE 2,664,260 AUTOMATIC DISPENSING, wmanmc, AND

RECORDING APPARATUS Filed April 21, 1951 3 SheatsSheat 3 /NVNTO/?.WALTER E. SHXE BY HIS HTTO/PNEKS. HF) Ems/0504, P05 75/? & HARE/5Patented Dec. 29, 1953 AUTOMATIC DISPENSING, WEIGHING, AND RECORDINGAPPARATUS Walter E. Saxe, Pasadena, Calif., assignor to The ConveyorCompany, Inc., Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of CaliforniaApplication April 21, 1951, Serial No. 222,176

24 Claims. 1

The present invention relates in general to an apparatus for dispensingone or more materials in measured quantities, and, more particularly, toan apparatus for recording the quantities of the materials dispensedthereby. This app1ication discloses features which are disclosed andclaimed in one or more of my copending applications Serial No. 771,013,filed August 28, 1947 (now Patent No. 2,625,301), Serial No. 16,251,filed March 22, 1948, Serial No. 16,252, filed March 22, 1948 (nowPatent No. 2,625,300), and Serial No. 68,906, filed January 3, 1949.

In general, it is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus foractuating one or more dispensing devices in such a manner that eachdevice dispenses a measured quantity of material from a source withwhich it is associated. More specifically, it is an object of theinvention to provide an apparatus for actuating the dis pensing devicesunder the control of means responsive to the quantities of the materialsdispensed by the devices.

As an example, an apparatus embodying the fundamental principles of theinvention may be employed in connection with an installation wherein thesources of the materials referred to in the preceding paragraph arestorage bins and the dispensing devices include gates or other dischargecontrolling devices. Such installations, an example of which may befound in my Patent No. 2,336,130, issued December '7, 1943, are usedextensively for combining the materials used in concrete, for example,although other uses therefor are well known to those skilled in the art.

'Since the invention is particularly applicable to and was originallyembodied in a dispensing apparatus which is responsive to the weights ofthe materials dispensed thereby, I prefer to consider such an embodimentherein for purposes of iilustration. However, the invention may beembodied in an apparatus responsive to variables other than the weightsof the dispensed mate rials and it will be understood, therefore, that Ido not desire to be limited to the particular embodiments which I haveelected to disclose herein. For example, as will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, various features of the invention may beincorporated in apparatuses responsive to such characteristics of thedispensed materials as their volumes, pressures, and the like.

Considering the nature of the invention in more detail, it is a primaryobject to provide an apparatus having one or more material dispensingdevices and having photcelectrically controlled means responsive to thequantities of the materials dispensed by the devices for actuating andsubsequently deactuating the devices in sequence in such a manner thateach device dispenses a predetermined quantity of material from a sourcewith which it is associated. More specifically, an object in thisconnection is to provide an apparatus having control means for actuatingand subsequently deactuating the dispensing devices in sequence, andhaving photoelectric switching means operable whenever a predeterminedquantity of material has been dispensed by each dispensing device forregulating the operation of the control means.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus having aprimary rotor which is rotatable through distances proportional to thequantities of the materials dispensed by the dispensing devices, andhaving a plurality of primary actuating devices which are spaced apartalong the path of the primary rotor and which are adapted to cooperatetherewith to control the operation of the dispensing devices in such amanner as to dispense predetermined quantities of the materials. Arelated object is to provide an apparatus wherein the primary actuatingdevices are light sources which, in cooperation with the primary rotor,operate the photo-electric switching means to cause the control means toactuate and subsequently deactuate the dispensing devices in sequence. Afurther object in this connection is to provide an apparatus wherein theprimary rotor includes means for conveying light from the variousprimary light sources to a single, stationary photoelectric cell, theprimary rotor being nonlinear and being formed of a material which iscapable of conveying light along an irregular path.

It will be understood that the primary rotor is rotated throughdistances proportional to the quantities of the materials dispensed bythe dispensing devices by means responsive to the quan tities of thematerials so dispensed. In the particular illustrative embodimentshereinafter described in detail, the quantities of the dispensedmaterials are measured in terms of their weights by scale meansresponsive to the weights of the dispensed materials, the scale meansincluding a rotatable shaft on which the aforementioned primary rotor ismounted.

One of the most important objects of the invention is to provide arecording means for recording the quantities of the dispensed materialswhich is, in efiect, driven by the primary rotor through anon-mechanical connection so that the recording means imposes no loadwhatsoever on the measuring With this arrangement, the recording meansin no way afiects the accuracy and sensitivity of the measuring means,which is an important feature of the invention.

Another important ob ect of the invention is to provide an apparatuswhic includes in effect hotoelectric drh e between the measuring us andthe reco; 1g means so tliatthe latter ose .L! 1 on measuring means. Morep larly, another object of the invention is to provide an apparatushaving a recording provide an apparatus wherein theaiorernentionedcontrol means causes the secondary rotor t0. lf.otate into a positionsuch that the secondary light source registers with the primary rotorafter each dispensing device has dispensed a-quantity of the materialassociated therewith, the primary rotor thereafter conveying light fromthe secondary source to the photoelectric switching means to cause thelatter to cause the control means to actuate the recording means torecord the quantity of material dispensed by such dispensing device. Arelated object in connection with o -e embodiment of the invention is toprovide an apparatus having follow-up means for causing the secondarylight source on thesecondary rotor to follow the primary rotorasthe'latter is rotated in'response to dispensing of materials by eachdispensing device so that a minimum amount of time is required'to causethegsecondary light source on thesecondary rotor-to register with theprimary rotor after suchdispensingdevice has dispensedthe desiredquantity of material.

Another object is to provide an apparatus wherein the recording meansincludes means operable by the control means for moving a recordingmedium into operative engagement with recordingindicia on an element ofthe recording means whenever the photoelectric switching means receiveslight from the secondary light source on the secondary rotor through theprimary rotor upon registration of the secondary light source with theprimary rotor.

An object in connection with one embodiment of the invention is toprovide an apparatus Wherein the recording indicia are disposed on' thesecondary rotor and an object in connection with another. embodiment isto provide a recording means whichincludes an auxiliary recordingelement ha the recording indicia thereon. Another ob ect in connectionwith the latter embodiment to provide means operatively con necting thesecondary rotor and the auxiliary recording element for rotating theauxiliary recording element-in synohronism with the secondary rotor.

Another obect isto provide a dispensing and recording'apparatus whereinthe control means energizes the primary and secondary light sourcesselectively at the proper points in the operating cycle. of the aparatus so as to avoid interference between these light sources.

Another object of the invention is to provide an a paratus having homeselector means for causing the secondary rotor, and the auxiliaryrecording element in the embodiment including such element, to return totheir rest positions,

' corresponding to readings of zero on the measuring and recordingmeans, by the shortest possible route. More particularly, an object inthis connection is to provide an apparatus wherein the 4 secondary rotoris rotatable through angle of 360 and wherein the home selector meanscauses the econdary rotor to return to zero in its original direction ofrotation if it has rotated more than 180 by the timetl e lastn'iaterialhas been dispensed, and to return to Zero in the reverse direction if ithas rotated tl rough an angle of less than 180 by the time last materialhas 5 been dispensed.

.Theioregoing objects and of t .e present invention, together withvarious other ob 'jects and-advantages thereof which will becomeapparent, maybe attained with the exemplary embodiments of the inventionwhich are illustrailed;inzthenccompanying drawings which Referring toinvention may be incorporated;

Fig. 2 is a semidiagrarnnia'lc view of one arm bodiment-of the apparatusof the'invention;

Fig,- 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken alongthe broken line 53 oiFig. 2;

Fig. l'is acollective terin forl igs. 4b, 4c, can}, and ia, which are aseries of diagraminaticviews illustrating successive operating positionsof the elements of the control means of the automatic dispensingand'recording apparatus of the invention illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3;

'Fig. dis a fragmentary view of an alternative embodiment of t einvention'which may be employed as amodification oftheembodiment ofFigs. 2 to 4, or'as'a modification of he embodiment of thehereinafterdiscussed embodiment of Figs: 6 andl;

Fig; 6 is a semidiagranimatic view similar to Fig.2 but illustratinganother embodiment-of the invention; and

Figs. 7 and 8 are fragmentary sectional views respectivelytaken alongthe broken lines I -1 amide-8 of Fig. 6.

ns previously indicatedfl have elected to disclose the invention asapplied to embodiments for dispensing materials-by weight and forrecording the. dispensed Weights of the materials with theunderstandingthat those skilled in the art may readily apply the invention todispensing and recording'by characteristics other than weight, such asvolume, pressure, level in a container, and'theilike. Also, 'I haveelected to disclose embodiments for dispensing andrecording the Weightsof two materials with the understanding that the invention may beemployed in connection with either a lesser number or larger numbers ofmaterials. For example, the embodments disclosed may be employed todispense and record'the weights of more than'two *materials merely'byadding elements thereto in a mannerwhich will become apparent. A1so,them odimentsd sc os dmev be em r dtc. d pense and record the weight of onematerialwithout modification. Further, as will be discussed hereinafter,the embodiments disclosed may be employed to Weigh and record withoutdispensing; Consequently, it will be understood that the embodiments tobe described arermerely illustrative of other embodiments coming withinthe scope oi' h inv ntion- ;Refe .ing. fir t igof he, drawings, illutrated therein in highly simplified form is aninstallation in which thepresent invention may be incorporated, this installation being designedfor use in weighing out the materials for a batch of concrete and fordumping the resulting batch into a truck, for example. As illustrated inFig. 1 of the drawings, this installation includes a frame which carriesa hopper divided into bins 2| and 22 for diiferent materials, such assand and cement, for example. The bins 2! and 22 are respectivelyprovided with gates 23 and 24 which may be opened to dump the materialsfrom the respective bins. These gates may be actuated in any suitablemanner, as by air cylinders 25 and 26 respectively connected to thegates 23 and 24. The air cylinders 25 and 26 may be controlled bysolenoid valves 21 and 28, respectively, the solenoid valves being shownin Fig. 2 of the drawings. As a matter of convenience, the gate 23, theair cylinder 25 and the solenoid valve 21 are regarded as a dispensingdevice 3|, the gate 24, the air cylinder 25 and the solenoid valve 28being regarded as providing a dispensing device 32. While the termdispensing device 3| and dispensing device 32 will be applied to theseelements hereinafter and in the claims for convenience, it will beunderstood that these terms are not to be regarded as limited to suchelements since any suitable elements may be incorporated therein. Thus,it will be understood that the term dispensing device as used herein isintended to include any element or combination of elements fordispensing a material without restriction to the specific elementsdisclosed.

Reverting to Fig. 1 of the drawings, when either of the dispensingdevices 3| and 32 is actuated in a manner to be described, the materialin the corresponding one of the bin 2| and 22 is discharged into a weighhopper 33 which may be carried by the frame 20 sufficiently above groundlevel to permit a truck, or the like, to be driven thereunder, the weighhopper being provided with a gate, not shown, which may be opened todump the contents of the weigh hop-- per into such truck. The weighhopper 33 is oneratively connected to a scale or scale means 34 carriedby the frame 20, as by being mounted on a beam 35 pivotally connected atone end to the frame and connected at its other end to a draft link orband 36, or the like, of the scale 34. Thus, as the materials in thebins 2| and 22 are discharged into the weigh hopper 33, the weights ofthe materials are indicated by a pointer in on the scale 34.

As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, the dispensing device3| is actuated to dispense a predetermined weight of the material in thebin 2| into the weigh hopper 33 under the control of the scale 34, thedis ensing device 3| being deactuated to terminate discharge of thematerial in the bin 2| into the weigh hopper 33 as soon as the pointer31 attains a predetermined indicium on the scale dial. Subseuuently, thedispensing device 32 is actuated to dispense material from thecorresponding bin 22, the dispensing device 32 also being deactuatedafter a predetermined weight of the material in the bin 22 has beendispensed into the weigh hopper 33 as indicated by the pointer 31. Also,the weights of the materials dispensed into the weigh hopper 33 arerecorded by the invention.

With the foregoing general discussion of the invention in m nd, theinvention will now be considered in more detail, commencing with theembodiment illustrated in Figs. 2 to 4 of the drawings. Referringparticularly to Fig. 2 of the drawings, the scale 34 includes a scalehead 4| wh ch is illustrated as including a housing formed in threesections 42, 43 and 44, these housing sections being provided withtransverse walls and being provided with annular flanges arranged intelescoping relation. The transverse wall of the housing section 42 isprovided with a central hub 45 containing a bearing for an indicatorshaft 45 which is operatively connected to the draft link 36 in anysuitable manner, not shown, to rotate through an angle proportional tothe Weight of the material or materials dispensed into the weigh hopper33 as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. One end of theindicator shaft 46 extends through a scale dial 3? carried by thehousing section and carries the indicator or pointer 31, the lattermoving over the scale dial as the indicator shaft rotates to indicatethe weight of the material or materials dispensed into the weigh hopper33. The scale dial 41 and the pointer 3'! are covered by a face made ofglass, or other transparent material, carried by the housing section44..

Mounted on the opposite end of the indicator shaft 46 is a primary rotor43 which is rotated in synchronism with the pointer 31 through themedium of the indicator shaft. As shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, andalso in Fig. 3 thereof, the primary rotor 49 includes two arms or wands5| and 52 each formed of a material which is capable of conveying lightalong nonlinear or irregular paths. An example of such a material ismethyl methacrylate, commonly known by the trade name Lucite. The wandE! is illustrated as generally U-shaped and is adapted to register atits outer end with successive primary actuating devices or light sources6| and 32, the latter being illustrated as electric light bulbs. Thewand 2 is generally L-shaped and is adapted to registie): at its outerend with a secondary actuating device or light source 53 which ismounted on and carried by a secondary rotor 64, the latter beingrotatably mounted by means of suitable hearings on the hub 45 of thehousing section 42. As will be d scussed in more detail hereinafter, thesecondary rotor 34 is, in effect, driven by the primary rotor 49 througha photoelectric connection with no mechanical connection therebetween soas to avoid imposing any load on the weight measuring means representedby the indicator shaft 33 and the elements associated therewith.

The inner ends of both wands 5| and 52 extend axially toward the rear ofthe scale head 6| and register at all times with a photoelectric cell 61which is carried in a recess in the transverse wall of the housingsection 43. Thus, whenever the outer end of either of the wands El and52 registers with one of the light sources 6| to such light source, whenenergized as will be described in more detail hereinafter, applies lightto the photocell 3! through. the corresponding one of the wands 5i and52. The photocell 31 is connected to and cooperates with a photoelectricrelay 68 to provide a photoelectric switching means 69 for energizing acontrol means it which, as will be described in more detail hereinafter,actuates and subsequently deactuates the dispensing devices 3| and 32insequence to dispense predetermined weights or" the materials from thebins 2| and 22, and also actuates a recording means II for recording thed spensed weights.

As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, the positions of theprimary light sources 3| and 6?. determine the weights of the materialsdispensed from the bins 2| and 22. The positions of these light sourcesrelative to the scale dial ll may be varied in various ways. Forexample, as more fully disclosed in my aforementioned costructionillustrated, the

located remote tape iii! is fed over rollers I62 from a supply theprimary light sources GI and (52 may be positioned opposite any desiredindicia on the scale dial ii by rotating the rings 8i and 82 soas tocause-the dispensing devices 3! and 32 to dispense any desired amountsof the materials in the bins 2i and 22, as more fully describedhereinafter. Alternatively, a system of selectively energizable lightsources similar to that disclosed in my aforementioned copendingapplication Serial No.v 16,252 may be employed, if desired. In order toprevent, interference between the primary light sources'fii and $2 andthe secondary light source 55, the former are energized only when thecorresponding dispensing devices SI and 32 are actuated, as byconnecting the primary light sources 6i and 2 in parallel with thesolenoid valves 2? and respectively, as diagrammatically shown in-Fig. 2of the drawings.

Considering the recording means II in more detail, the secondary rotorEd is rotated into a position such that the secondary light source 63carried thereby registers with the outer end of the wand 52 after eachmaterial has been dispensed so as to produce a record of the we ght ofthe dispensed material through the photoelectric switching means as andthe control means 79 in a manner to be described in more detailhereinafter. The position of the secondary rotor E l, which may beregarded a an element of the recording means ii, is controlled by anelectric synchronizing motor 8 3 which, through the photoelectricswitching means is and the control means iii, synchronizes the positionsof the secondary light source 63 and the wand 52 ,in a manner to bedescribed. In the particularconsecondary rotor 6A takes the form of agear which is driven by the synchronizing motor 8:! through a gear train85.

The secondary source 83 connected between, i. in series with, twocontact rings 88 and which ar carried by and insulated from thesecondary rotor or gear The transverse wall of the housing section 32carries brushes 9d and ti which engage the rings 88 and 3%,respectively, which are connected to the control means 2'5 a manner tobe described, The secondary rotor 6 t also carries an element 92 whichis pted to engage a zero limit switch 93 to tie-energize thesynchronizing motor 8% whenever the secondary light source $23 on thesecondary rotor reaches a position opposite the zero indicium on thescale dial ii upon completion or" operating cycle, the limit switchbeing connected to the control means it in a manner also to he describedhereinafter.

In the particular embodiment under considera tion, the recording meansii is adapted to print the weights of the dispensed material on arecording medium such a paper tape which may be from tie scale head ii.The

drum Hi3 onto a drum It; driven in any suitable manner, not shown.Adjacent the tape is arotatable recording element whichv takes the formof a printing head it having indieia thereon matching theindicia onthescale dial In other words, if the indicia on the scale dial 'i rangefrom 0 to 10,001) pounds, for example, the printing head its is providedwith circumferentially spaced indicia covering the operating cycle ofthe apparatus.

or same range. On the opposite side oi the tape IOI from theprintinghead lilfiis a solenoid I0? which, when energized, presses thetape into engagement with the printing head I06 to print on the tape theparticular indicium facing the tape. The printing solenoid I0? isconnected to the control means it. in a manner to be described. Theprinting head I05 may print the weights of the dispensed materials onthe tape IiiI in various ways, as by providing a means, not shown, forinking the'printinghead. Alternatively, a carbon tape or ribbon I08 maybe disposed between the recording tape IGI and the printing head IGS sothat the indicium on the printing head which faces, the recording tapeis printed thereon through themedi-umof the carbon tape I68.

It willbe understood that it is necessary to synchronize the positionsof the printing head I and the secondary rotor 6 so that the indicium onthe printing head which faces the recording tape lilI at any instantmatches the indicium on the scale diald'i opposite which the secondarylight source '63 carried by the secondary rotor is disposed. For thispurpose, the printing head I03 is connected, as by a chain Iii, to asynchro or Selsyn H2 which, in turn, is operatively. connected to asynchro [I3 geared to the secondary rotor M in a manner not specificallyshown but well known in the art. Thus, the system of synchros H2 and iIt maintains synchronism between the positions of the printing headIfiii and the secondary rotor 65. Thus, the printing head I65 and theelements directly associated therewith may be located remote from thescale head ii ininstances where this is desirable.

Turning now to a detailed consideration of the control means '58,various electrical elements of the control means and various electricalelements associated therewith have been shown as connected across mainpower leads lie in some instances and across main power leads Iii in theremainder purely as a matter of convenience. A timing motor, [2b isconnected across the leads l I6 through the photorelay 63 sothat thelatter completes the circuit to the timing motor to energize it wheneverlight from one of the light sources El to E3 impinges on the photocellill. The timing motor drives a plurality of timing discs Hi to I 25,preferably-through suitable reduction gearing, not shown. The discs iiito 525 are all mounted one common shaft, represented by thebroken lineI25, so that they rotate in synchronism.

The disc I2I is provided with a notch [Zia in which a roller on a switchISI is adapted to enter once per revolution of this disc to close theswitch NH. The notch [Zia on the disc I2! is disposed in a position suchthat the switch Iii is closed by entry of the roller thereon into thenotch I2Ia at the beginning, or end, of each The switch [3iisconnectedaoross the leads H6 through a green light :32 which isenergized by closure of theswitch I3I to indicate that the apparatus isat the end of an operating cycle.

The next disc, I22, is provided with notches I22a, I221), I220, I22d,I222 and i222 therein, and disposed adjacentthis discisa switch I33having aroller adapted to enter the variousnotches in this disc. Theswitch I33 is normally closed and opens whenever the roller thereonenters one of the notches inpthe disc I22. The switch I83 is connectedin parallel with the switch in the photorelay 58 and in serieswith thetiming motor I 20 so that the timing motor is energized by the switchI33 whenever the roller of this switch is out of the notches in the discI22. Also connected in parallel with the switch in the photorelay 68 andin series with the timing motor I28 is a start switch i3 3. Thus, aswill be apparent, the timing motor I26 may be energized by the startswitch i34, by the switch in the motor relay 68 whenever light from oneof the sources SI to 63 falls on the photocell 61, or the switch I33whenever th roller thereof is out of the notches in the disc I22.

The disc I23 is provided with a single notch I23a therein and adjacentthis disc are four switches s41, I42, I43 and M4 each provided with aroller adapted to enter the notch I23c. The switches Hi! to I44 arenormally open, 1. e., they close when the respective rollers thereonenter the notch i23a. The switch it! is connected in series with thelight source 6i and the solenoid valve 2? of the dispensing device 3|,such elements being connected across the leads I ll. Similarly, theswitch M2 is connected in series with the primary light source 52 andthe solenoid valve 28 of the dispensing device 32, such elements alsobeing connected across the leads I ll. Thus, whenever the roller of theswitch I4! enters the notch I23a, the light source SI is energized andthe solenoid valve 21 is energized to open the gate 23 of the bin 21.Similarly, whenever the roller or" the switch I42 enters the notch I23d,the light source 62 and the solenoid valve 28 are energized to open thegate 2-; of the bin 22. The switches I53 and I44 are connected inparallel with respect to each other and are conected in series with thesynchronizing motor 84 and in series with the brushes 9% and 9| forsupplying the secondary light source 63, these ele ments being connectedacross the leads Iii.

Thus, whenever either of the switches I43 and I4 closes by entry of itsroller into the notch I23a, the synchronizing motor 84 and the lightsource 63 on the secondary rotor 64 are energized.

The disc I24 is provided with a notch I244: therein and positionedadjacent the disc I24 are switches I45, I48 and I4! each provided with aroller adapted to enter the notch lzea. The switches I45 to I41 arenormally open and close when the rollers thereof enter the notch I24a.These switches are all connected in parallel with respect to each otherand in series with the printing solenoid I91, all of these elementsbeing connected across the leads I I1. Thus, whenever one of the rollersor the switches I45 to I42 enters the notch IEda, the printing solenoidis energized to print on the recording tape IDI the weight indicium onthe printing head I05 which is opposite the recording tape at thatinstant.

The disc I25 is provided with a notch I25a and positioned adjacent thisdisc is a switch I43 having a roller adapted to enter the notch I2Sc.This switch is normally open and closes when its roller enters the notchI25a. The switch I48 is connected in series with the secondary lightsource 63 so that it energizes the secondary light source when theroller thereon enters the notch Ifioa in the disc :25. Thus, thesecondary light source 63 may be energized by any one of the switches It3, I44 and I 58 controlled by the discs I23 and I25. The switch I48 isconnected in series with the light source 83 through a normally closedswitch I49 which is opened by a relay 156 in series with the switch I43in re- 10 sponse to a relatively large current iiow, as will bediscussed hereinafter.

The zero limit switch 93 and the synchronizing motor 84 for thesecondary rotor 6- are connected in series with each other in serieswith the switch I48, the switches and I4 2 being connected in parallelrelative to each other and relative to the series-connected switches 93and hit, whereby the synchronizing motor is energized only when the zerolimit switch and the switch I48 are closed, or when one or" the switchesI43 and I 4 is closed. As previously discussed, the zero limit switch 93is opened by the element 52 on the secondary rotor 5t when the secondarylight source 63 is opposite the zero indicium on the scale dial 37,representing the return of the apparatus to rest upon completion of anoperating cycle.

Considering the operation of the embodiment hereinbefore described withreference to Fig. 2 of the drawings and with reference to Figs. 4b, do,403, do, if and 4a of the drawings, the latter showing successivepositions or" the discs I2I to I25, it will be assumed that theapparatus is about to begin an operating cycle, which means that thediscs are in the position shown in 40;, or an, the latter being aduplicate of Fig. ed to show that the same conditions obtain at the endof the cycle. With the discs in the positions of Fig. 4a, all of theelements are (lo-energized except for the green light I32, which isenergize to signify that the apparatus is ready for operation. To startthe apparatus in operation, the operator presses the start switch I3momentarily. This energizes the timing motor and the resulting movementof the discs IEI to I223 causes the switch I33 to disengage the notchIZZa and thus close the parallel circuit through the timing motor. Thus,it is necessary to close the start switch I35 only momentarily. At thesame time, the switch I3I disengage the notch iris to extinguish thegreen light I32, which remains extinguished for the balance of the cycleto indicate that the apparatus is in operation.

When the discs I2I to I25 reach the positions shown in Fig. 4b, theswitch I 33 engages the notch I221) in the disc I22 and opens, therebydeenergizing the timing motor. At the same time, the switch I4I engagesthe notch I23a in the disc I23, thereby energizing the primary lightsource BI and the dispensing means SI. Consequently, material isdispensed from the bin 2! into the weigh hopper 33, which causes thepointer ill and the wands 5i and 52 to rotate. This dispensing ofmaterial from the bin 2| into the weigh hopper 33 continues until thewand 5I registers with the primary light source 5i, which has previouslybeen positioned opposite an indicium on the scale dial i"! representingthe desired weight of the material to be dispensed from the bin 2 I. Assoon as the wand 5i registers with the primary light source BI, the wand5| conveys light to the photocell 61, with the result that thephotoelectric switching means as energizes the timing motor I20,whereupon the timing motor rotates the discs Hi to I25 from thepositions shown in Fig. 47; toward those shown in Fig. 40. As soon asthe discs start to rotate, the switch I4I disengages the notch I230. tode-ene-rgize the dispensing device 3!, thereby terminating thedispensing of material from the bin 25 into the weigh hopper 33. Thus,the desired we determined weight of material from the bin 2i has beendispensed. It will be noted that, at the through the ring and brushsystem, 88, 89, 90

and 9t and the normally closed switch I49. The synchronizing motor thenrotates the secondary rotor cs until the secondary light source 63registers with the wand 52, whereupon the latter conveys light to thephotocell 67. Consequently,

the photoelectric switching means 69 again energ'izes the timing motor26, thereupon disengaging the switch I33 from the notch I'2'2c in thedisc I22 to establish an alternative current path for the timing motor,and thereby disengaging the switch Hid from the notch I23a in the disc:23 to extinguish the light source 63 and to deenergize thesynchronizing motor 8 3. Thus, at this stage, the light source 53 hasbeen synchronized, positicnally speaking, with the wands and 52 and thepointer 31 so that it is opposite the indicium on the scale dial 4'!corresponding to the weight of material dispensed from the bin 2|. Also,the system of synchros H2, H3 has maintained positional synchronismbetween the light source 63 and the printing head Hi5 so that theindicium on the printing head which is now opposite the recording tapeIiil represents the weight of material dispensed from the bin 2i.

As the discs iii to I rotate-from the positions shown in Fig. towardthose shown in Fig. 4d, the switch E momentarily engages the notchI24ain the disc I26 to momentarily energize the printing solenoid I97,thereby printing the dispensed weight of the material from the bin 2| onthe recording tape Idl. Thus, a recordof the weight of the materialdispensed'from the bin 2i is provided, which is an important feature ofthe invention. It will also be noted that this record was obtainedwithout imposing any load whatsoe'veron the scale or measuringsystem,which is another important feature-since it permits retaining theaccuracy and sensitivity-of the scale.

When the discs I2 to I25 arrive atthe positions shown in Fig. 4d, theswitch I33 engages the notch I22d in the disc I22 to-again de-energizethe timing motor I29. Atthesametime, the switch Hi2 engages the notchI231: in the disc I23 and closes to energizethe dispensing means 32 andthe primary light source 62. Consequently, material is dispensed fromthe second bin 22 into the weigh hopper 33, whereupon the scale 34causes resumption of the rotational movement of the wands 5i and 52 andthe pointer 37. When the wand 55 reaches the position whereinitregisters with the primary light source 62, corresponding to apredeterminedweight of material to be dispensed from the second bin 22,the wand 5i conveys light to the photocell 61, thereby closi source 52and the dispensing device 32, thereby terminating the dispensing ofmaterial from the second bin 22 into the weigh hopper 33. Thus, thedesired amount of material from the second bin has been dispensed intothe weigh hopper.

When the discs I2I to I25 arrive at the positions shown in Fig. 4c, theswitch 533 engages the notch I226 in the disc I22 so as to againdeenergize the timing motor. At the same time, the switch Hi3 engagesthe notch 230; in the disc I23 and closes so as to again energize thesecondary light source 63 and the synchronizing motor at. Consequently,the synchronizing motor positionally synchronizes the secondary lightsource 63 with the wands El and 52 and the pointer 37 in the mannerhereinbefore described. In other words, as soon as the secondary lightsource 63 registers with the wand 52, li ht is conveyed by this wand tothe photocell 6i, whereupon the photoelectric switching means atenergizes the timing motor Iii! to start the discs I2I to I25 on theirway toward the positions illustrated in Fig. 4;. This causes the switchhis to disengage the notch I23a in the disc I23 and open, therebyextinguishing the secondary light source '83 and the synchronizingmotored to cause the secondary light source to remain in registry withthe wand 52. As before, the system of synchros II 2 and H3 hasmaintained positional synchronism between the printing head Ida and thesecondary light source so that the indicium on the printing head whichis now opposite the recording tape It! corresponds to the indiciurn onthe scale'dial d7 opposite which the pointer 37 is disposed.

As the discs i2lto'l'25 rotate from the positions shown in Fig. istoward those shown in Fig. 4f, the switch lit momentarily engages thenotch 124a in the disc 12s to energize the printing solenoid ml,whereupon it presses the carbon tape its and the paper or recording tapeIDI against the printing head it to'print on the recording tape thetotal weight of the two materials dispensed from the bins 2! and 22,thereby providing a permanent record thereof. Again, this record isobtained without imposing any load on the scale system because of thephotoelectric connection between the recording means 'iI and themeasurin means, which is an important feature,

When the discs I25 to I25 reach the positions shown in Fig. i the switchE33 engages the notch I 221 in the disc I22 to again tie-en rgize thetiming motor I 2-9. At the same time, the switch Idii engages the notchIiea in thedisc I25 to start the synchronizing motor 3 5 and energizethe relay I55, which responds to the relatively large current requiredby the synchronizing motor. The relay I553 opens the switch I 39 toprevent energizing the secondary light source 63, thereby preventingre-energizing the timing motor I29. Consequently, the discs 52! to I25remain in the positions shown in Fig. if while the synchronizing motordd returns the secondary rotor 64 to zero so that the secondary lightsource 63 thereon is opposite the zero indicium on the scale dial til,the synchronizing motor 84 being de-energized by the zero limit switch93 when the secondary light source reaches the'zcro position. At thesame time. the synchros I lit and H3 return the printing head ltd tozero. Also, when the synchronizing motor Si is tie-energized by the zerolimit switch 93, the relay ifii) is also de-energized to permit theswitch M9 to close so as to energize the secondary light source 63,

13 the current drawn by the latter being insufficient to re-energize therelay 50.

After the secondary rotor 64 has been returned to its zero positionwherein the secondary light source 63 is opposite the zero indicium onthe scale dial 4?, the entire apparatus remains deenergized, except forthe secondary light source until such time as the wei h hopper 33 isemptied. As the weigh hopper 33 is emptied, the primary rotor 49 returnsto zero and, when the wand 52 registers with the secondary light source63 at zero, the timing motor I26 is a' ain enereized and rotates thediscs I2I to I25 from the positions shown in Fig. 4) toward thepositions shown in Fig. 4a. Intermediate the positions shown in Fi s. 41and 4a' the notch I24a in the disc in. engages the switch I4?momentarily to energize the printing solenoid I01. At this point in theoperating cycle, the zero indicium on the printing head I06 races therecording tape til! since the printing head previously returned to zeroin synchronism with the secondary rotor 64. Thus, the recording means IIprints zero on the recording tape IOI as the discs 2! to l25 rotatetoward the positions shown in Fig. 4a to record the fact that the weighhopper 33 was completely emptied prior to commencement of the subsequentoperating cycle.

When the discs I2I to I25 reach the positions shown in Fi 4%, the swit hI 33 a ain engages the notch I22o in the disc I22 to sic-energi e thetiming motor I26. Atthe same time, the switch iii! enga es the notchIZId in the disc I2I to en r i e the green li ht I32, thereby indicatingthat the apparatus is in condition for another oper ting cvcle. Theapparatus remains in this condition until such time as the operatorcloses the start switch I34 to initiate another operating cycle. whichis a repetition of the operating cycle just described.

It will be understood that the embodiment of Figs. 2 to 4 of thedrawings is of part cular utility in installations wherein it isdesirable to locate the printing head m6 ated therewith remote from thescale 34. For example, it may be desirable to produce the record of theweights of the dis ensed materials in an office some distance from theactual dispensing installation, in which case the embodiment justdescribed may be employed to good advantage. Also, if desired, the startswitch I34 may be located adjacent the printing head I08 and itsassociated elements so that the installation may be remotely controlledif desired.

However, where remote recording of the dispensed weights is unnecessary,the secondary rotor 64 itself may be employed as a printing head, asillustrated in fragmentary form in Fig. of the drawings. As sug estedtherein, each of the gear teeth on the periphery of the secondary rotor64 with which the gear teeth of the last gear in the gear train 65 meshmay have indicia thereon corresponding to the indicia on the scale dial41. Thu, by positioning the recording tape lei, the printing solenoid531 and the carbon ribbon or tape Hi8 adjacent the secondary rotor 64 inthe same relative positions as they occupy in the embodiment of Figs. 2to a with respect to the printing head I65, the dispensed weights may beprinted on the recording tape directly from the secondary rotor 64,which is an advantage of this embodiment when remote recording is notnecessary.

In Figs. 6, 7 and 8 of the drawings there is and the elementsassocishown another embodiment of the invention which, for the mostpart, is substantially identical to that illustrated in Figs. 2 to 4 ofthe drawings, the same reference numerals being employed forcorrespondin components as a matter of convenience. Th principaldifference between the embodiment of Figs. 6 to 8 and that of Figs. 2 to4 is that the former includes an alternative circuit for energizing thesynchronizing motor 84, this alternative circuit being independent ofthe circuits which include the switches I43, I M and I43 for energizingthe synchronizing motor. This a ernative circuit includes a relay I63 inseries with the dispensing devices 3! and 32 and the switches MI and I42for energizing them. The relay I66, when energized, is adapted to closea switch ISI which is connected in series with the synchronizing motor64 independently of the switches I43, I44 and I48. The alternativecircuit in which the switch I6I is disposed also includes two brushesI62 and I63 in series with the switch IBI, the brush I62 beingstationary and being carried by the housing section s2, and the brushI63 being carried by the secondary rotor so as to move therewith. Thebrush 263 is supplied with current by a contact ring I64 which iscarried by and insulated from the secondary rotor 54, th ring I 64 beingengaged by a brush i655 carried by the housing section 22. The brush I62 engages a continuous contact ring I66, best shown in Fig. '7, and thebrush I 63 engages a discontinuous contact ring I57. The contact ringsI65 and I6! are mounted on an insulating member IE8 which is, in turn,mounted on the indicator shaft 46, the wands 5| and 52 being connectedto this insulating member. lhus, the contact rings I66 and I6? rotatewith the wands 5i and 52. The contact rings I66 and I6! are electricallyinterconnected at I69 so that the synchronizing motor 84 is energized aslong as the brush 163 is in engagem nt with th contact ring I6? and theswitch Iiil is closed. However, one end I's'il of the contact ring I6?terminates a short distance from the Wands EI and 52 in the particularconstruction illustrated so that the brush I63 disengages the contactring IE? to open the alternative circuit to the synchronizing motor 84whenever the secondary light source 53 on the secondary rotor 64approaches within a few degrees of the wand 52. As will be discussed inmore detail in the following paragraph, this deenergizes thesynchronizing motor before the secondary light source 63 is actuallybrought into registry with the wand 52.

Except for the eii'ect of the alternative circuit for the synchronizingmotor 65-, the operation of the embodiment of Figs. 5 to 8 as thus fardescribed is identical to that of the embodiment of Figs. 2 to a so thatonly the effect of this alternative circuit will be considered. When thedispensing device 3i is energized by the control means in the mannerhereinbefore described, the relay I66 is energized to close the switchI6l. When the wands 6i and 52 start to rotate in response to theincreasing weight of material in the weigh hopper the contact ring i6!is rotated into engagement with the brush I 63, thereby energizing thesynchron 'ing motor 84. The synchronizing motor then rotates thesecondary rotor 64 to tend to cause the secondary light source 63 tofollow the wands EI and 52. However, the secondary light source 63. cannever quite catch up with the wands 5i and 52 since the brush I63disengages the end I!!! of the the material dispensed by said dispensingdevice; energizing means for energizing said dispensing device;ole-energizing means operatively connected to said scale element andresponsive to rotation thereof through a predetermined angle,corresponding to a predetermined quantity of the material to bedispensed, for die-energizing said dispensing device after saidpredetermined quantity of the material has been dispensed; means forrecording the v eight of the material dispensed by said dispensingdevice, including a rotatable recording element; and meanspl1otoelectrically connected to said rotatable scale element andoperatively connected to said rotatable recording element for rotatingsaid rotatable recording element through an angle which is also afunction of the weight of the material. dispemed by dispensing device.

In a dispensing and recording apparatus, the combination of: adispensing device for dispensing a material; means operativelyassociated with said dispensing device for measuring the quantity of thematerial dispensed by said dispensing device, including a movablemeasuring element and means operatively connected to said movablemeasuring element for moving said movable measuring element a distancewhich is a function of the quantity of the material dispensed by saiddispensing device; energizing means for energizing said dispensingdevice; deenergizing means operatively connected to said measuringelement and responsive to movement thereof t -rough a predetermineddistance, coresponding to a predetermined quantity of the material to bedispensed, for die-energizing said dispensing device after saidpredetermined quantity of the material has been dispensed; means forrecording the quantity of the material dispensed by said dispensingdevice, including a movable recording element; actuating meansoperatively connected to said movable recording element for moving saidmovable recording elemerit; means for energizingsaid actuating means;and means, including photoelectric means, operatively connecting saidmovable recording element to said movable measuring element fordeenergizing said actuating means upon movement of said movablerecording element by said actuineans through a distance which is also afunction of the quantity of the material dispensed by said dispensingdevice.

5. A dispensing and recording apparatus according to claim 5 wherein thedefined in the last cla ise includes: photoelectric switch operanvelyconnected to and controlling said actuating means; a light sourcemovable along a path adjacent and parallel to the path of movement ofsaid movable measuring element into re istry with said movable measuringelement, the latter including means for conveying ligh from said li htsource to said photoch means to actuate said photoelectric s electricsnitch means; and means carrying said light source for moving said lightsource into registry with said movable measuring element.

6. A. dispensing and recording apparatus according to claim 5 whereinthe means defined in the last clause includes: photoelectric switchmeans operatively connected to and controlling said act ating means; alight source movable along a path adjacent and parallel to the path ofmovement of said movable measuring element into registry with saidmovable measuring lemerit, the latter including means for conveying hgit from said light source to said photoelectric iii) switch means toactuate said photoelectric switch means; and means carrying sai lightsource for moving said light source into registry with said movablemeasuring element, said means carrying said light source forming part ofsaid movable recording element.

7. A dispensing and recording apparatus ac cording to claim 5 whereinthe means defined in the last clause includes: photoelectric switchmeans operatively connected to and controlling said actuating means; alight source movable along a path adjacent and parallel to the path ofmovement of said movable measuring element into registry with saidmovable measuring element. the latter including means for conveyinglight from said light source to said photoelectric switch means toactuate said photoelectric switch means; and means carrying said lightsourc for moving said light source into registry with said movablemeasuring element, said means carrying said light source including amovable member to which said actuating means is operatively connected,said apparatus including means for moving said movable member and meansfor moving said movable recording element in synchronism.

8. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: atleast two operating circuits; a controlling circuit including switchingmeans for closing and opening said operating circuits in sequence andincluding photoelectric means for actuating said switching means;movable means for conveying light to said photoelectric means; a numberof light sources equal to the number of operating circuits spaced apartad acent the path of said movable means; another light source movablealong a path adjacent the path of said movable means; and meansoperatively connected to said switching means and controlled thereby formoving said other light source into registry with said movable light-comveying means.

9. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: atleast two operating circuits; a controlling circuit including switchingmeans for closing and opening said operating cir. cuits in seouence andincluding photoelectric means for actuating said switching means;movable means for conveying light to said photoelectric means; a numberof light sources equal to the number of operating circuits spaced apartadjacent the path of said movable means; another light source movablealong a path adja cent the path of said movabl means; an actuating meansoperatively connected to said other light source for moving said otherlight source along its path, said switching means including elementsconnected in circuit with said actuating means for periodicallyenergizing said actuating means and for tie-energizing said actuatingmeans whenever said other light source registers with said movablelight-conveying means to de liver light to said photoelectric means.

10. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of:movable light-conveying means; a light sourc movable along path adjacentand parallel to the path of said movable light-conveying means;actuating means for moving said light source along its path, saidactuating means being operatively connected to said light source;switching means in circuit with said actuating means and closable toenergize said actuating means; and stationary photoelectric meanspositioned adjacent said movable light-conveying means to receive lighttherefrom for opening said switching means to lie-energize actuatingmeans, whereby said actuating mean:- is ole-energized to term natemovement of ght source when said light source is moved registry withsaid movable light-conveying cans to deliver light to said photoelectricmeans.

ll. an apparatus of the character described, the combination of anactuating device disposed adjacent a circular path for producing anactuating signal; stationary switching means actuahle by an actuatingsignal applied thereto; a rirnary rotor rotatable about th axis of saidcircular path and having an element which is novable a ong said circularpath, said primary otor including means for conveying said actuatin toaid switching means; a secondary rotor coaxial with said priirarv rotorand carrying said actrating device. said'secondary rotor moving saidactuating device along said ircular path upon rotation thereof; and.actuatrneans controlled by and, connected in circuit with said switchingmeans for rotat ng said secondary rotor to cause said act"ating deviceto register with said. element of said primary rotor. 7 l2 Tn on onq'mi'ng n the chara t r d emad, the combination of: a light sourcedisposed adjacent circular path; a n rm l -closed switch element:stationary photoe ctric means con:- nected to said switch. element andactuahle by li ht received from said. light source to onen said switchelement; a pr mary rotor rotatable about the aiis of said. circular athand ha in elerrent which is mo able along said. circular for conve inglight from said light source to sa d photoelectric means when said eleent of said primary rotor registers with said light source: a secondaryrotor coaxial with said 10 m ry rotor and carr ng sai li ht source. saidsecondary rotor moving said. li ht source along said circular path uponrotation. thereof: and actuatin means controlled by and connected incircuit with said switch element. for rotating said secondary rotor tocause said light so rce to register with said. element of said primaryrotor, wheeby said photoelectric means o ens said swit h element todeenergize said actuatin means with said light source registry with saidelement of said primary rotor.

13. In an. ap aratus of the character described, the combination of:primary actuating devices .isposed ad acent a .mary circular path forproducing primarv actuating signals; a secondary actu ting deviceadjacent a secondary circular i coaxial with said primary circular pathfor producing a secondary actuating signal; switching means actuacle byprimary and secondary actuating signals from said primary and secondaryactuating devices; primary rotor disposed between said primary andsecondary actuating devices and said switching means, said. primaryrotor having a primary element movable along primary circular path intoregistry with said. primary actuating devices, and having a secondaryelement movable along said seccndary circular path into registry withsaid secondary actuating device, said primary rot-or inoluding'rneansfor conveying said primary and secondary ctuating signals to saidswitching means to actuate said switching means; primary actuating meanscontrolled by said switching means for rotating said primary rotor; asecondary rotor coaxial with said primary rotor and carrying saidsecondary actuating device, said secondary rotor moving said secondaryactuating device along said secondary circular path upon rotation ofsaid secondary rotor; and secondary actuating means operativelyconnected to and controlled by said switching means for rotating saidsecondary rotor.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said switching meansincludes primary switch elements operatively connected to said primaryactuating means and includes means for opening said primary switchelements to deenergizc said primary actuating means whenever saidprimary element of said primary rotor registers with said primaryactuating devices to deliver primary actuating signals to said switchingmeans, said switching means also including a secondary switch elementoperatively connected to said secondary actuating means and includingmeans for opening said secondary switch element to (lo-energize saidsecondary actuating means whenever said secondary actuating device movesinto registry with said secondary element of said primary rotor todeliver said secondary actuating signal to said switching means.

15. An apparatus as defined in claim 14 wherein said primary actuatingmeans includes dispensing devices for dispensing quantities of materialsand includes means responsive to the quantities of the materialsdispensed by said dispensing devices for rotating said primary rotor,

said primary switch elements being operatively' connected to saiddispensing devices, respectively.

16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein said primary andsecondary actuating devices are light sources, wherein said switchingmeans comprises photoelectric switching means actuable by light fromsaid light sources, and wherein said signal-conveying means of saidprimary rotor comprises means for conveying light from said lightsources to said photoelectric switching means.

17. An apparatus according to claim 16 including recording meansoperatively connected to and actuable by said secondary rotor forrecording the quantities of the materials dispensed by said dispensingdevices.

18. In a dispensing and recording apparatus, the combination of: anelectrically controlled dispensing device for dispensing a material;electrically operable control means operatively connected to saiddispensing device for controlling said dispensing device; photoelectricswitching means operatively connected to said control means to controlenergization of said control means, said photoelectric switching meansbeing actuable by light applied thereto; a primary light source disposedadjacent a primary circular path; a secondary light source disposedadjacent a secondary circular path coaxial with said primary circularpath; a primary rotor having a primary element movable along saidprimary circular path into registry with said primary light source, saidprimary rotor also having a secondary element movable along saidsecondary circular path and adapted to register with said secondarylight source, said primary rotor including means for conveying lightfrom said primary and secondary light sources to said photoelectricswitching means to actuate said photoelectric switching means; meansresponsive to the weight of the material dispensed by said dispensingdevice for rotating said primary rotor; means for recording the weightof the material dispensed by said dispensing device including asecondary rotor coaxial with said primary rotor and carrying saidsecondary light source, said Secondary rotor moving said secondary lightsource along said secondary circular path upon rotation of secondaryrotor; and means operatively connected to and controlled by said controlmeans for rotating said secondary rotor to cause said secondary lightsource to register with said secondary element of said primary rotor.

19. A dispensing and recording apparatus as defined in claim 18 whereinsaid recording means includes: a rotatable recording'element; meansoperatively connecting said recording element and said secondary rotorfor rotating said recording element in synchronism with said secondaryrotor; and means operatively connected to and controlled by said.control meansfor moving a recording medium into engagement with saidrecording element.

20. In a dispensing and recording ap aratus, the combination of anelectrically ontr lled ispensing device for dispensing a material;electrically operable control means rotatable through primary andsecondary positions and including switch means for controlling saiddispensing device when in said primary position, said control meansincluding switch means for de-energizing itself when in said primary andsecondary positions; photoelectric switching means operatively connectedto said control means for energizing said control means, saidphotoelectric switching means being actuable by light ap lied thereto; aprimary light source disposed adiacent a primary circular path; asecondary light source disposed adjacent a secondary circular pathcoaxial with said primary circular path; a primary rotor having aprimary element movable along said primary circular path into registrywith said primary light source, said primary rotor also hat g asecondary element movable along said $60011? ary circular path andadapted to register with said secondary light source, said primary rotorincluding means for conveying light from said primary and secondarylight sources to said photoelectric switching means to actuate saidphotoelectric switching means, whereby the latter energizes said controlmeans; means responsive to the weight of the material dispensed by saidispensing device for rotating said primary rotor; recording means forrecording the weight of the material dispensed by said dispensing deviceil1- eluding a secondary rotor coaxial with said primary rotor andcarrying said secondary light source, said secondary rotor moving saidsecondary light source along said secondary circular path upon rotationof said secondary rotor; and means operatively connected to said controlmeans and energizable thereby when in said secondary position forrotating said secondary rotor to cause said secondary light source toregister with said secondary element of said primary rotor.

21. A recording and dispensing apparatus as defined in claim 20 whereinsaid recording means includes recording indicia on said secondary rotorand includes means operatively connected to and energizable by saidcontrol means when in a tertiary position for moving a recording mediuminto engagement with said recording indicia.

22. A dispensing and recording apparatus according to claim 20 whereinsaid recording means includes a rotatable recording element havingrecording indicia thereon, includes means operatively connecting saidsecondary rotor and said rotatable recording element for rotating saidrecording element in synchronism with said secondary rotor, and includesmeans operatively connected to and energizable by said control means ina tertiary position for moving a recoring medium into engagement withsaid recording indicia.

23. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of adispensing device for dispensing a quantity of a material; scale meansadapted to receive a quantity of a material for weighing the quantity ofthe material, including a rotatable scale element and including meansoperatively connected to said rotatable scale element for rotating saidrotatable scale element through an angle which is a function of theweight of the material; energizing for energizing said dispensingdevice; tie-energizing means operatively connected to said scale elementand responsive to rotation thereof through a predetermined angle,corresponding to a predetermined quantity of the material to bedispensed, for ole-energizing said dispensing device after saidpredetermined quantity of the material has been dispensed; means forrecording the weight of the material, including a rotatable recordingelement; and means ph-otoelectrically connected to said rotatable scaleelement and operatively connected to said rotatable recording elementfor rotating said rotatable recording element through an angle which isalso a function of the weight of the material.

24. In combination: movable light-conveying means; a first light sourceadjacent the path of said light-conveying means actuating means formoving said light-conveyin means along its path; means for energizingsaid actuating means; photoelectric switching means includingphotoelectric means adjacent said light-conveying means to receive lighttherefrom when said l ghtconveying means registers with said first lightsource for tie-energizing said actuating means; a second light sourcemovable along a path adjacent and parallel to the path of saidlight-conveying means; operating means for moving said second lightsource along its path, said operating means being operatively connectedto said second light source; and means for energizing said operatingmeans, said operating means being connected to said photoelectricswitching means so as to be de-energized thereby when light from saidsecond light source is conveyed to said photoelectric means by saidlight-conveying means upon registry of said second light source withsaid light-conveying means.

WALTER SAEE.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PA'IENTSNumber Name Date 764,192 James July 5, 1904 763,530 James July 5, 1904807,863 Phillips Dec. 19, 1905 2,007,317 Bohuszewicz July 9, 19352,024,793 Bauml Dec, 17, 1935 2,046,005 Sprecker June 20, 1936 2,132,237Haegele Oct. 4, 1938 2,142,251 Nunan Jan. 3, 1939 2,309,117 John Jan.26, 1943 2,313,179 Sprecker et al Mar. 9, 1943 2,346,117 Stabler Apr. 4,1944 2,398,887 Drinnon Apr. 23, 1946 2,477,821 Potts Aug. 2, 1949FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 435,934 Great Britain Sept. 16, 1935618,710 Germany Sept. 16, 1935

